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Friday, December 28, 2012

Rye on Rye

Brewer's Description: Why Rye? This assertively flavorful grain is more often associated with whiskey than with ales. Even in that arena, it has largely been eclipsed by corn and barley, the sources of bourbon and scotch. But when we procured some seasoned barrels from our friends at Templeton Rye, we asked ourselves, “Why not?” Why not brew a rich, tawny rye ale, then mellow it in the warmth of charred oak rye whiskey casks? Two kinds of malted rye provide spicy sweetness, giving way to notes of caramelized wood and the citrusy tang of Perle, Magnum, and Saphir hops before easing into a dry, lingering finish.

Comments: This beer is full of promise right from the pour. It is a deep caramel color with a hint of red. Its slightly cloudy with a two finger head of smaller than average ( <0.5mm ) bubbles. Once in the glass its worth taking a moment to smell the beer before tasting. The complexity of the aroma is mysterious and mouthwatering with a deep sweet scent hinting at caramel, oak, and vanilla. The flavor is a wave crashing over your palate in a burst of sweet silken caramel and whiskey inspired taste. There are hints of vanilla and rye in the aftertaste. For lack of a better word, the mouthfeel is "full" I can taste it on every part of my tongue and the high ABV (12%) makes it warming from sip to swallow. I bought 2 bottles of this with the intention to cellar one, but it will be hard not to open it. This beer is so clever in its complexity that its a sweet, spicy riddle to unlock as you empty the glass. I plan on picking up a coupe more.